Oakland Athletics: What Positions Can Be Improved at the Trade Deadline?

Jul 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Derek Norris (36) celebrates with team mates after hitting a three run home run during the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs at O.Co Coliseum. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Chicago Cubs 8-7. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Athletics are currently sitting on top of their division with a record of 51-36, a half game above the Texas Rangers. Some may have thought last season was a fluke or a lucky run; however, this season, the Athletics are proving in every way that there is no such thing as a fluke in Oakland.

As far as the trade deadline goes, there are certainly a couple positions I’d like to see upgraded. The A’s are playing terrific baseball right now, but there are still a couple areas where they can use more production.

The first move that should be made — if Oakland decides to pursue any players — is at the second base position.

The A’s should try to improve their middle infielding at the trade deadline. Expect Billy Beane and Bob Melvin to make a move for a middle infielder that is capable of bringing more offensive production. The lefty Eric Sogard, the starting second baseman who has been decent for the A’s, is batting .257 with good defensive ability.

When facing a left-handed pitcher, Jed Lowrie typically leaves his home at shortstop and slides over to second base, while Adam Rosales plays shortstop. Rosales is another issue with his lack of offensive production with a batting average of .197. While Rosales has an extremely strong arm along with good defensive ability, shortstops should be providing much better offense than a .197 batting average.

Another acquisition or trade I would like to see is to get someone who can provide more offense along with better defense behind home plate. The catcher is an extremely important position, and the A’s do not have any good all-around catchers.

Right-handed catcher Derek Norris, who some believe should be an everyday catcher, is batting just .217 with four homers. Left-handed catcher John Jaso is batting much better with a .272 batting average, but he has been horrific defensively throughout the year.

Recently acquired catcher from Triple-A, Stephen Vogt, has shown some promise behind the plate, although he does not seem to be a significant upgrade at the position.

Those are the two areas I expect the management to look to improve: middle infield and catcher.

It would not surprise me if Oakland did not make any moves due to the fact that they’ve been playing tremendous baseball. I don’t think they need to make any moves desperately, but they can improve a couple areas.